i prefer gas for most jobs but a stick welder is better for mending that sneaky leak from the petrol tank in a small space

is the instruction book for the welder as good as i imagine it might be?

the hat is rather imaginative, a blind* zen master approach to striking an arc while wearing a tea chest on yer face is not outside my welding skills but i was taught how to cope with that. im not keen on choking either

gloves and magic hat are essentials. magic hats are fun, fairly safe and avoid the flick which only works if you get it right.

good ventilation is always important especially so with coated metal such as galvanised mild steel micro particles of zinc oxide are nasty even by my standards of nasty.

a stiff breeze and a strong sense of self preservation is a decent start but either negative pressure venting for the work or positive pressure clean air supply for the worker are better.

when grinding and probably even more with power brushing a good dust mask rated for such tasks is sensible.

something to remember is that the arc produces a fair bit of uv so any exposed skin will get a suntan you really don't want. wrap up well unless you like skin grafts.
the spark up ionisation creates an emp which can trash delicate electricals if they are too close

it is easy to get heatstroke if you are well covered and welding in a tight space.

spelter can get in yer boots unless you prevent it .spelter thinks it funny to make you scream and hop before you go to hospital. ( i saw that one and how long it took to heal )
ditto into gloves but they are quicker to discard.
and in yer hair or down yer neck .
dreadlocks and welding dont mix , especially if they have been beeswaxed ( not me )

even hot bits of flux when chipping back can leave a stain if they get in a crevice.

a big h n s issue is bystanders , you have a magic hat and a delicate job to do, you will not notice bystanders. if they can look they will and even at 10m the arc will cause distress to a viewer.

re overalls: a tanksuit is pretty good at not catching hot lumps and reasonably flame proof

owt with open pockets can develop issues.

hot things stay hot for ages especially when picking them up or putting something on them.

don't blame me if you wear rigger boots, something with a well sealed bootneck is required.

that isnt really in any order of importance, all of them matter.

there are also the issues of learning to use the thing, the methods are pretty straightforward and easy to research. practise is the only way to gain the skills.